Lang Huan ordered them to stand quickly. Though she was used to leading her own elite force, this was the first time she was truly called General among real battlefield soldiers. Unlike her flexible unit, these soldiers were disciplined, rigid, and carried the aura of war.
The night before, she had studied the map given by Feng Yao and carefully planned their next move. She divided the soldiers into several groups: Commander Chang would take care of the enemy guards, while Lang Huan and Wu Ming would sneak in to free the captives. Meanwhile, Qiu Yue had an important mission—to capture the Second Prince.
"Yes, General Ye!" the soldiers shouted in unison, their voices filled with determination. Lang Huan nodded, still trying to get used to the title. To avoid suspicion, they agreed to go separately and meet at Shang Yue Forest Gate.
Back at the Princess Mansion, Lang Huan took a deep breath to calm herself. She headed to the warehouse and brought out Xiao Bai, her beloved white wolf. Moments later, Wu Ming arrived, carrying riding equipment—a saddle, reins, and stirrups. Lang Huan was slightly surprised to see Wu Ming preparing everything. She had heard from Qiu Yue that the Young Master didn't ride a horse but a wolf instead.
"Thank you," Lang Huan said sincerely. Wu Ming simply smiled as she adjusted the equipment on Xiao Bai. Seeing that smile, Lang Huan realized—maybe Wu Ming wasn't as intimidating as she seemed.
As night fell, they moved separately, making their way through the hidden path toward Shang Yue Forest. Hidden behind the bushes, they carefully observed the situation. Several luxurious carriages entered the forest, escorted by heavily armed guards. They were not ordinary citizens but high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, or influential figures. Some even wore foreign attire, indicating that many of the guests were not from Great Qi.
Commander Chang gave Lang Huan a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Stay calm, General Ye. Our mission tonight will be a success," he whispered with quiet confidence. Lang Huan nodded. Moving carefully, they followed the guests in the shadows. The towering trees cast deep darkness, their thick leaves blocking the moonlight. They stepped lightly and silently, blending seamlessly into the night.
Soon, they reached a grand villa hidden within the forest. Lanterns illuminated the villa, contrasting with the surrounding darkness. The rhythmic footsteps of the guards echoed in the night, a reminder of the villa's tight security. An hour later, the villa gates were locked shut. Suddenly, Black Tortoise Soldiers rushed out, reinforcing the entrance with extra guards.
"Move!" Lang Huan commanded. The Azure Falcon Army emerged from the shadows, charging swiftly toward the heavily guarded gate. The Black Tortoise Soldiers were caught off guard. Before they could react, dozens of black-clad warriors on horseback stormed through, breaking their defenses. The quiet night was shattered by the thunderous sound of galloping hooves and the clash of steel.
Suddenly, a giant white wolf leaped from the darkness, landing with a resounding thud in front of them. Lang Huan, atop Xiao Bai, looked like an unstoppable force. Holding onto the reins, she sharply kicked her opponents, sending them crashing to the ground.
The Black Tortoise Soldiers quickly regrouped, forming a defensive formation. However, the Azure Falcon Army was too fast and well-organized. Their attacks tore through the enemy lines with relentless efficiency.
Realizing his men were struggling, Commander Yang decided to retreat. His heart pounded as he ran into the villa.
"I won't let you escape," Qiu Yue muttered, her eyes locked on her target as she gave chase.
Commander Chang called out to Lang Huan, "General! Leave this to us!"
Lang Huan nodded and urged Xiao Bai forward, charging into the villa. The white wolf knocked aside guards one by one, clearing a path. Wu Ming followed closely behind, leaving hidden marks on the walls to guide their soldiers. The villa was filled with deadly traps. Without the secret map, they would have been lost—or worse, killed.
Commander Yang raced through the labyrinth in a panic. He had to warn the Second Prince before it was too late.
"Hey… trying to run?" A cold voice echoed behind him.
Commander Yang turned around and saw Qiu Yue. "You…" His eyes narrowed. "You're the Eldest Princess's guard."
Without hesitation, he swung his sword, flashing toward her throat.
Clang! Their blades clashed, sending sparks into the air. Blow after blow, they exchanged deadly attacks.
Slash! Commander Yang's sword cut into Qiu Yue's shoulder, blood spilling onto her dark robes. She clenched her jaw, ignoring the pain.
"Qiu Yue!!" A powerful voice echoed through the corridor.
Commander Yang's reflexes betrayed him. For just a second, he turned his head—
Qiu Yue seized the opportunity and slammed a powerful kick into his chest, sending him crashing into the wall.
Before he could recover, Lang Huan leaped off Xiao Bai, landing beside Qiu Yue. With both of them together, Commander Yang was completely outmatched.
Suddenly, Wu Ming emerged from the shadows, moving swiftly. She leaped onto Commander Yang's shoulders, locking his movements.
Shink!
Qiu Yue immediately drove her sword into his chest. Commander Yang's eyes widened in shock, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He gasped, his strength fading as his body slowly went limp. With one final exhale, he collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.
---
The Second Prince remained inside the grand hall of the villa, completely unaware of the chaos unfolding outside. With great delight, he presented the women who were to be auctioned, all locked inside a large iron cage. Their hands and feet were bound, forcing them to stand upright. Dressed in thin gauze that barely covered their bodies, their curvy figures were visible. Under the watchful eyes of the burly guards, they dared not cry, knowing that a single mistake could cost them their lives.
The room was filled with lewd gazes and twisted smiles. Some guests eyed the women with desire, while others laughed loudly, raising their wine cups in celebration. The atmosphere was thick with lust and cruelty.
In the corner of the room, Physician Wang clenched her fists, glaring at the Second Prince with disgust. Watching him enjoy the suffering of these innocent women made her sick. To him, they were nothing more than objects for entertainment.
Suddenly—BOOM! A loud crash shook the hall.
Everyone turned in shock as Lang Huan, riding Xiaobai, crashed through the roof and landed in the middle of the room. Panic erupted. The guests screamed, scrambling to get away. The Second Prince, startled and furious, quickly pointed at Lang Huan and shouted, "Who is that?! Capture him alive!"